CHRISTCHURCH
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Check out our nearby attractions

Welcome to Airways Motel, your perfect base for exploring the best attractions in the area. Nestled conveniently near Christchurch Airport, our location offers easy access to local hotspots, scenic parks, and vibrant dining and shopping options. Whether you’re here for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed trip, you’ll find plenty to see and do just minutes from our doorstep. 

Antartic Center

Located next to Christchurch International Airport, and open every day of the year, the International Antarctic Centre has a huge range of experiences guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

Be chilled in our incredible Antarctic storm room. Be thrilled on an all-terrain vehicle tour. Make friends with penguins and huskies.

Learn about the first expeditions, modern day life on Scott Base and the future of humanity on the ice. Be amazed through the big screen ice tour and astonished within the immersive 4D theatre.

Waimak River Riding Centre

Waimak River Riding Centre (previously Waimak River Horse Treks and Waimak River Adventures) was established by Erika and Stan McStay in February 2001. As tourism in New Zealand, and specifically Christchurch, has grown and changed, so too has our business. We have now combined our horse trekking, riding school, holiday programs and leasing into one business, Waimak River Riding Centre.

Horses are our passion, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable horse riding experience. Our calm, experienced and well trained horses, experienced guides and instructors work together to ensure the best environment for fun and learning.

Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier

Be dazzled by breath-taking scenery including ancient glaciers, towering mountains, high country mountain lakes and braided rivers.

This tour is simply amazing with its incredible variety of landscapes as you travel into the southern alps of New Zealand and enjoy the sites of the Ben Ohau Range, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park containing New Zealand’s highest mountain. Your expedition even traverses multiple sites from "Lord of the Rings" Middle Earth - and a visit to the Tasman Glacier.

Christchurch Gondola

An unmissable Christchurch experience, the Gondola offers stunning unique views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond from our summit station situated atop the Port Hills. A great family-friendly spot to explore for locals and visitors, a visit to the Gondola is a must-do activity.

Take in the spectacular 360-degree views and see Christchurch from a different perspective: gaze at the snow-capped Southern Alps, sprawling Canterbury Plains and the sparkling waters of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Botanic Gardens

Welcome Aboard the Botanic Gardens Tour. Experience the natural beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on board our electric powered vehicles. See the finest range of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in NZ and learn about the history of this treasured central city oasis.

Stay on board for a full circuit which takes an hour, or get on or off at any of the stops along the way. The Tour departs every 30 minutes from outside the Museum or Gardens kiosk.

Scenic Helicopter Tours

There are very few places in the world with as much diversity in landscapes on their doorstep as Christchurch, New Zealand. Only a short helicopter flight in virtually any direction will put you over snow-covered mountains, lush pasture farmland, rivers, lakes, rugged coastlines or major metropolitan cities. Enjoy a birds-eye perspective on our amazing region as our experienced pilots fly you in comfort and safety over some of the most unique landscapes you'll ever see. A scenic flight with Garden City Helicopters is an experience you'll never forget.